Wax Formulation and Uses Thereof

ABSTRACT

A wax formulation useful for application on skis, snowboards and other snow sliding apparatus that can be formulated from all natural components and which provides good performance in terms of ease of application, durability during use and lubricity enhancement contains 70 to 100 wt % of base wax composition containing beeswax, and candelilla wax and optionally camauba wax, and up to 30 wt % of one or more additional materials selected from among additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers. In preferred compositions, the additional materials are all of natural origin, thus excluding fluoropolymers and silicones. The amounts of beeswax, camauba wax and candelilla wax in the base wax vary depending on the temperature conditions for which the wax formulation is intended. In general, the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % carnauba wax.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a wax formulation useful for increasing the lubricity of skis, snowboards and similar snow sliding apparatus, and to the use thereof in connection with snow sliding apparatus.

Waxes for application to skis etc. are known. These waxes include paraffin-based waxes, and waxes incorporating silicones (for example US 20070225179-A1), waxes incorporating fluoropolymers (for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,465,398, 6,121,212, 5,914,298, and 5,624,713), and poly-alpha-olefins (U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,863) as the key ingredient for obtaining the desired properties for a ski wax. Efforts to create a “natural” ski wax based on the use of soy wax have also been disclosed (for example in US 2006/0107870-A1).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application provides a wax formulation that can be formulated with minor variations for different snow temperatures from all natural components and which provides good performance in terms of ease of application, durability during use and lubricity enhancement. In a first embodiment, the invention provides a composition consisting essentially of:

(a) 70 to 100 wt % of base wax composition, said base wax composition consisting of beeswax and candelilla wax and optionally carnauba wax,

(b) up to 30 wt % of one or more additional materials selected from the group consisting of additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers,

(c) and up to 5 wt % of one or more of colorants, fragrances, and antioxidants. In preferred compositions, the additional materials are all of natural origin, thus excluding fluoropolymers and silicones.

The amounts of beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax in the base wax vary depending on the temperature conditions for which the wax formulation is intended. In general, the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for increasing the lubricity of snow sliding apparatus comprising the step of applying to a sliding surface of that equipment a wax composition in accordance with the invention.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides snow sliding apparatus on which a lubricity enhancing coating of the wax formulation of the invention is present.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used in the specification and claims of this application, the following terms are specifically defined as follows:

(a) snow sliding apparatus refers to apparatus which has a surface that is intended to slide on the surface of snow. This term includes all apparatus to which products characterized as “ski wax” are applied, including by way of non-limiting example skis, snowboards, monoskis, snowbikes, and snow blades. The “sliding surface” is the surface of the apparatus that, in ordinary use, is in contact with and slides on snow.

(b) the term “consisting essentially” or “consist essentially” refers to a composition that contains no ingredients other than those specifically listed except that an additional ingredient may be present if it is of a character and in an amount that it does not materially change the characteristics of the composition as a whole with respect to ease of application to snow sliding apparatus, durability and lubricity enhancement.

(c) ease of application refers to the ability of a wax to be applied to a snow sliding surface using hot wax and scrape techniques. This does not mean that the wax cannot be applied by other techniques, including hand iron and scrape, roller wax application and rub on/cork in techniques, but rather provides the standard by which ease of application is assessed. Assessment of the ease of application is qualitative, but includes factors such as gumminess, ease of scraping after application, and brittleness which may tend to make wax flake off. Although not part of the assessment, it is also desirable that the melting point of the composition not be so high as to be incompatible with application equipment.

(d) durability reflects the amount of sliding that can be done using a snow sliding apparatus before a wax formulation needs to be replaced to maintain a given level of lubricity enhancement. Since this resilience depends on the quality of snow (temperature, granularity etc) it is suitably compared as a relative parameter under the same conditions. In addition, durability can also be assessed in terms of provided an acceptable period of sliding time (for example multiple days of recreational skiing) between one waxing and the next.

(e) lubricity enhancement refers to the ability of the composition to reduce resistance of the snow sliding apparatus to sliding on the snow. This is reflected in the speed of sliding in response to the influence of a downhill slope, or in a lesser amount of energy being required to achieve the a given speed and glide on a flat or an uphill slope. Lubricity is a function of snow conditions, particular temperature, and it is recognized in the art that cold and warm temperatures may require variations in formulation.

(f) the term “natural origin” refers to waxes and oils that are of plant or animal origin, or a hydrogenated oil of plant or animal origin.

(g) the term “enhancing the sliding performance” means that the snow sliding apparatus has less resistance to sliding on snow with a coating of the composition than in the absence of a coating on the same apparatus. It does not invoke a comparison with other types of waxes.

Base Wax Composition

The base wax composition is the primary component of the composition of the present invention. It makes up at least 70% of the base total composition, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and it may make up 100% of the composition.

To arrive at the base wax composition of the present invention, the inventor tested a variety of natural waxes under various snow conditions and assessed the ease of application, durability and lubricity enhancement. Montan wax, bayberry wax, Japan wax, Jojoba wax (hydrogenated jojoba oil), tall oil rosin ester and stearic acid were all rejected as a consequence of this testing.

Candelilla wax was found by the inventor during the development of the present invention to have excellent lubricity enhancement properties in both cold and warm conditions and to have good durability. It is lacking, however, with respect to ease of application because it is hard to scrape, although not gummy.

The inventor also found that beeswax has good durability because it is an excellent binding agent. It also provides enhanced speed under warm/wet conditions. Used alone, however, beeswax is too soft for cold condition, and difficult to scrape because it is gummy.

Finally, the inventor found that camauba wax is an excellent hardener, but is brittle. Used alone, it has good speed at cold temperature and acceptable durability, but is hard to scrape.

From these three waxes, the inventor has formulated a base wax composition that consists of beeswax, and candelilla wax and optionally carnauba wax. This base wax composition forms an all natural starting point for the composition of the invention.

The relative amounts of beeswax, candelilla wax and camauba wax in the base wax composition are selected to achieve a balance of ease of application, durability and lubricity enhancement. In the compositions of the invention, the base wax composition suitably comprises 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % carnauba wax, although variations can be made from these amounts, particularly if one or more additional materials that affect the properties of ease of application, durability and/or lubricity enhancement are included in the composition.

Additional Materials

In addition to the base wax composition, the composition of the invention may contain one or more additional materials that affect the properties of ease of application, durability and/or lubricity enhancement are included in the composition. These additional materials are suitably selected from among additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers. Preferably, any additional materials are of natural origin, and in particular, preferred formulations of the invention do not contain perflurocarbon polymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), since such materials are environmentally harmful.

Other natural waxes that can be included as an additional material include Jasmine Wax, Lanolin Wax (created from grease on sheep wool), Mimosa Wax, Rice Bran Wax and Orange Peel Wax.

Various natural oils are most suitably added to formulations intended for use in warm or wet conditions. Non-limiting examples of such oils include Almond Oil, Apricot kernel oil, Avocado oil, Carrot oil, Cedarwood oil, Citronella oil, Clove oil, Coconut Oil, Corn oil, Fir needle oil, Grapefruit oil, Hemp oil, Jojoba Oil, Kukui nut oil, Lavender oil, Limon oil, Macadamia oil, Mushroom oil, Olive oil, Orange blossom oil, Palm kernel oil, Patchouli oil, Peanut Oil, Pine oil, Rice bran oil, Sage oil, Sesame oil, and Soybean oil. Of these, Coconut oil and Jojoba Oil are particularly suitable because of their resistance to spoilage. With other oil types, an antioxidant is suitably employed to increase the shelf life of the composition. If used, such oils are suitably included in amounts of up to 4 wt %, for example from 1 to 4 wt %.

Other additional materials that may be incorporated include hydrogenated soy oil. Although this material is used in known ski wax formulations, it has a creamy consistency and is not durable. It can, however, be used in small amounts (up to 10 wt %) as a softener, for example to create a rub on wax. Palm oil is very brittle and powdery, and slow in warm conditions. It could be used in a cold weather wax as a cutting agent in amounts of up to 25 wt % to decrease cost. Similarly, hydrogenated castor oil is slow in warm conditions, but could be used in a cold weather wax as a cutting agent in amounts of up to 25 wt % to decrease cost.

Silicone is not natural or biodegradable but is non toxic and inert in the environment. It enhances speed in warm and wet conditions, and is a more environmentally friendly alternative to highly toxic perfluorocarbons. It may be incorporated in compositions of the invention in amounts of up to 4 wt %, for example from 1 to 4 wt %.

Colorants Fragrances and Antioxidants

The compositions of the invention suitably include a colorant, to permit the user to distinguish between one type (temperature) of wax and another. The amount of colorant added will depend on the desired level of coloration and the color intensity of the material. In general, however, an amount of colorant of about 0.1 to 2 % by weight is suitable.

Fragrance may be added to the wax if desired. In some cases, incorporation of an additional oil material may also provide fragrancing.

To prevent oxidation of included oils and the resulting rancid smell, it may be desirable to include an antioxidant in the composition of the invention. Non-limiting examples include food antioxidant additives such as ascorbic acid, propyl gallate, tocopherols, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

The invention will now be further described with references to the following, non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1

An “all temperature” general purpose wax formulation was made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 653.76 28.80 Carnauba Wax 90.80 4.00 Candelilla Wax 1525.44 67.2 These materials were melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 gram of purple dye and fragrance was added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture was then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams.

The wax formulation of this example was applied to a snowboard by hot wax/scrape technique. The wax formulation applied evenly, and was easy to scrape after hardening.

The snowboard was tested under various conditions over a season (December to May) for durability and lubricity enhancement and was found to have best performance when the air temperature was between 10° and 25° F.

EXAMPLE 2

A cold temperature wax formulation was made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 640.14 28.20 Carnauba Wax 136.20 6.00 Candelilla Wax 1493.66 65.80 These materials were melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 grams of oil blue dye was added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture was then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams.

The wax formulation of this example was applied to a snowboard by hot wax/scrape technique. The wax formulation applied evenly, and was easy to scrape after hardening.

The snowboard was tested under various conditions over a season (December to May) for durability and lubricity enhancement and was found to have best performance when the air temperature was between 0° and 15° F.

EXAMPLE 3

A warm temperature wax formulation was made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 681.00 30.00 Carnauba Wax 0 0 Candelilla Wax 1589 70.00

These materials were melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 grams of yellow dye was added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture was then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams.

The wax formulation of this example was applied to a snowboard by hot wax/scrape technique. The wax formulation applied evenly, and was easy to scrape after hardening.

The snowboard was tested under various conditions over a season (December to May) for durability and lubricity enhancement and was found to have best performance when the air temperature was between 20° and 35° F.

EXAMPLE 4

A very warm temperature wax formulation is made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 646.95 28.5 Carnauba Wax 68.10 3.00 Candelilla Wax 1509.55 66.5 Silicone 45.4 2.0 These materials are melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 grams of orange dye is added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture is then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams.

In this formulation, the silicone balances the carnauba wax to obtain a formulation suitable for very warm conditions.

EXAMPLE 5

A very warm temperature wax formulation is made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 646.95 28.5 Carnauba Wax 68.10 3.00 Candelilla Wax 1509.55 66.5 Coconut Oil 45.4 2.0 These materials are melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 grams of orange dye is added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture is then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams.

In this formulation, the coconut oil partially balances the carnauba wax to obtain an all natural formulation suitable for very warm conditions.

EXAMPLE 6

A very cold wax formulation is made as follows:

Material Weight (grams) Wt % Beeswax 612.90 27.00 Carnauba Wax 227.00 10.00 Candelilla Wax 1430.10 63.00 These materials are melted and mixed together, and approximately 1 grams of colorant is added to the molten mixture. The molten mixture is then poured into molds at a temperature of 200° F. to form bars, each weighing 75-80 grams. 

1. A composition consisting essentially of: (a) 70 to 100 wt % of base wax composition, said base wax composition consisting of beeswax, and candelilla wax and optionally camauba wax, (b) up to 30 wt % of one or more additional materials selected from the group consisting of additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers, (c) and up to 5 wt % of one or more of colorants, fragrances, and antioxidants.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the composition contains 90 to 100 wt % of the base wax composition.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition consists of the base wax composition, and one or more colorants or fragrances.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein any additional materials of paragraph (b) present are of natural origin.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition contains 90 to 100 wt % of the base wax composition.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 1 to 4% silicone.
 9. A method for enhancing the sliding performance of a snow sliding apparatus comprising the step of applying a composition consisting essentially of: (a) 70 to 100 wt % of base wax composition, said base wax composition consisting of beeswax, and candelilla wax and optionally camauba wax, (b) up to 30 wt % of one or more additional materials selected from the group consisting of additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers, (c) and up to 5 wt % of one or more of colorants, fragrances, and antioxidants, to a sliding surface of the apparatus.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % carnauba wax.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition contains 90 to 100 wt % of the base wax composition.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the composition consists of the base wax composition, and one or more colorants or fragrances.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein any additional materials of paragraph (b) present are of natural origin.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the composition contains 90 to 100% of the base wax composition.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition comprises 1 to 4% silicone.
 17. A snow sliding apparatus having a snow sliding surface, wherein the snow sliding surface has a sliding-performance enhancing coating of a wax formulation applied thereon, wherein the wax formulation consists essentially of: (a) 70 to 100 wt % of base wax composition, said base wax composition consisting of beeswax, and candelilla wax and optionally camauba wax, (b) up to 30 wt % of one or more additional materials selected from the group consisting of additional waxes, natural plant oils, hydrogenated plant oils, silicones, and fluoropolymers, (c) and up to 5 wt % of one or more of colorants, fragrances, and antioxidants.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the composition contains 90 to 100 wt % of the base wax composition.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the composition consists of the base wax composition, and one or more colorants or fragrances.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein any additional materials of paragraph (b) present are of natural origin.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the base wax composition contains 25-38 wt % beeswax, 50-75 wt % candelilla wax, and 0 to 16 wt % camauba wax.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the composition contains 90 to 100% of the base wax composition.
 24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the composition comprises 1 to 4% silicone. 